Cragganmore

The Cragganmore distillery was founded in 1869 by John Smith, who managed The Macallan and The Glenlivet distilleries. Sited close by the main Speyside railway line and in close proximity to the elegant River Spey, the Cragganmore whisky distillery draws its water from the mineral-rich Craggan Burn, which tumbles down its namesake, the Craggan More hill.

Of the 1.52 million litres the distillery produces annually, the majority is used for blending, for blenders have always revered the spirit. Today, it can be found in Old Parr, among other blended Scotch whiskies. The name derives from the Scottish Gaelic ‘creagan mór’ or ‘big rock’. In 1901, Cragganmore was among many whisky distilleries to benefit from the architectural skill of Charles Doig, the Elgin-based architect, who renovated the buildings.

The stills, which have numbered four since 1964, have an unusual shape with a flat top. This is said to contribute to the unique character of the spirit. At present, Cragganmore is under Diageo ownership and has been featured accordingly in their Classic Malts range. There are currently several independent bottlings as well as a substantial core range.

John’s son Gordon, at 21, is old enough to assume responsibility for operations.

1901

The distillery is refurbished and modernized with help of the famous architect Charles Doig.

1912

Gordon Smith dies and his widow Mary Jane supervises operations.

1917

The distillery closes.

1918

The distillery reopens and Mary Jane installs electric lighting.

1923

The distillery is sold to the newly formed Cragganmore Distillery Co. where Mackie & Co. and Peter Mackie share half ownership. The remaining half is owned by Sir George Macpherson-Grant and Ballindalloch Estate.

1927

White Horse Distillers is bought by DCL who thus obtains 50% of Cragganmore.

1964

The number of stills is increased from two to four.

1965

DCL buys the remainder of Cragganmore.

1988

Cragganmore 12 years becomes one of six selected for United Distillers´ Classic Malts.

1998

Cragganmore Distillers Edition Double Matured (port) is launched for the first time.

A 20 year old single cask Cragganmore. We absolutely love this, it has just the right amount of sweetness, and just the right amount of maturity. Distilled on the 8th March 1991 and bottled in March... More info

This was distilled at the Cragganmore distillery on the 17th March 1997. It was aged for 14 years in two hogsheads before bottling by Signatory for the Un-Chillfiltered collection on the 8th June... More info

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